Director, Research and Knowledge Mobilization

by

Posting Date: until filled 

Term: Indefinite-term (permanent) 

Hiring Range: $84,000- $104,000

Benefits: Extensive benefit package inclusive of health, dental, RRSP, and paid personal days.  Hybrid working options are also available for team members.

Background

The Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) is a charitable non-profit organization that partners with the University of Waterloo, Conestoga College, and Schlegel Villages to enhance care and quality of life for older adults. Through engagement with key partners and collaborators, RIA supports practice-relevant research and knowledge mobilization. Research evidence is used to inform programs, education and training, and influence practice and policy. 

Primary Purpose 

The Director, Research and Knowledge Mobilization will provide strategic direction for RIA’s research and knowledge mobilization portfolio. The role will be accountable for the successful coordination of research and implementation of knowledge mobilization strategies in partnership with RIA’s senior leadership, researchers, individuals with lived experience and the research team. As an experienced leader, you will guide a team of professionals to coordinate research activities, engage with partners, identify opportunities for mobilization, and develop evidence-based resources, programs and policies.  Additionally, you will be responsible for identifying funding opportunities, and leading the writing and securing of new funding. 

The role will support RIA’s vision, mission, and values as well as have an interest and passion for enhancing quality of life and care for older adults and team members working in senior living.

Key Accountabilities

  1. Leadership: Provide strategic and operational leadership to the RIA research and knowledge mobilization portfolio to ensure impact and growth are achieved and adequate resources are secured. As an engaged member of the RIA leadership team, you will lead a team to achieve impact, through the development and mobilization of knowledge stemming from research initiatives. Work collaboratively with the researchers to identify priorities, allocate resources, profile impact and deliver on learned knowledge as per our funding agreements and strategic priorities. Work closely with the broader RIA team to leverage and align work and impact and identify and secure grant funding.
  2. Research: Work closely with RIA researchers and research team to effectively coordinate and implement research projects. Collect and analyse quantitative and qualitative data beyond descriptive statistics to inform knowledge progress and impact. Synthesize and present evaluation data to inform research knowledge and the organization’s strategic direction.  Oversee the development and maintenance of systems to track projects, partner engagement and reach across the organization. 
  3. Knowledge Mobilization: Use implementation science frameworks, concepts, and tools to strategically guide research work plans and activities with the goal of sustaining and scaling the outcomes. Identify and mobilize opportunities for impact across the sector in collaboration with the research team and external partners. Lead the development of knowledge translation activities through the production of high-quality reports, presentations, templates, fact sheets, infographics, and other products that meet the needs of the target audience.
  4. Communication and Reporting: Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to tailor messaging to diverse audiences. Present and discuss complex research and evaluation methodologies with partners through a variety of virtual and in-person events and meetings. Liaise and build relationships with new and existing partners to collaboratively discuss, develop and implement projects that impact the quality of life and care for older adults. Proactively report to researchers, team members, and key partners on research activities, and contribute to the writing and dissemination of various written products, including grant applications, peer-reviewed scientific publications, technical reports, and program reports.
  5. Financial Management: Manage the overall research and knowledge mobilization portfolio budget, in addition to various research and project budgets. In partnership with the RIA accounting department, provide regular reporting of expenditures to senior leadership and funding agencies, as required.   
  6. Other: Take on additional tasks, activities and special projects, as they arise.  

Position Requirements

Education: 

Masters degree in a relevant field. PhD is an asset. Certificate and/or training in knowledge mobilization is an asset. 

Skills and Experience:

  • 8 years experience in a management role leading the successful implementation of large research projects, including development of work plans, budgets and evaluations. 
  • 5 years of experience in mentoring and supervising and supporting team members to meet program goals and objectives. 
  • 5 years of experience in the field of knowledge mobilization including generation, synthesis, critical appraisal, product development, knowledge translation, dissemination, exchange, management and evaluation.
  • Knowledgeable and experienced in the field of older adult research and practice in Canada with a focus on enhancing quality of care and life in senior living settings.
  • Experience in collaborating and engaging with older adults and their care partners, individuals with lived experience, researchers and community organizations. 
  • Experience tailoring messaging and developing knowledge mobilization products for different audiences, including government and community organizations, people with lived experience and the general population. 
  • Experienced in managing and reporting on complex budgets, and report writing that highlights impact.
  • Detail-oriented self-starter with a proactive attitude and ability to manage multiple tasks and competing priorities in an organized and efficient manner.
  • Ability to nurture and drive a collaborative team environment.
  • Ability to problem solve and drive, plan and manage change.
  • Experience using various systems/technologies (customer relations management systems, customized databases, and virtual meeting platforms and tools).
  • Experience and fluency using Microsoft and Google Workspace products.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license and be available for occasional travel.
  • Fluent in English. Fluency in French is an asset but not required.
  • Eligible to obtain a police background/criminal record check. 

Scope of Work

  • Interpersonal Skills: Communicates effectively with internal team members and external partners; professionally represents the RIA in all communications and at events.
  • Level of Responsibility: Responsible for aligning strategic and operational plans across the research portfolio and the strategic direction of the research portfolio. Accountable for ensuring the effective and efficient implementation of programs and projects in accordance with budget and deliverables. Provide supervision, leadership and mentorship to team members as part of our pooled-resource staffing model and in alignment with the RIA culture and values.
  • Decision-Making Authority: Accountable to make strategic and operational decisions that are aligned with RIA standards and funder expectations.
  • Physical and Sensory Demands: Minimal demands, typical of a position operating within an office environment; periods of extensive sitting at a desk and in meetings and concentrated use of visual senses; substantial repetitive keyboard/mouse movement; high sensory demands because of required concentration and attentiveness to detail and regular distractions and interruptions.
  • Working Environment: Much of the time is spent sitting in a comfortable position with frequent opportunities to move about. Office is located in a comfortable indoor area and options for hybrid work are available for this position. The work is varied and assignments may change frequently. Work will involve regular interaction with RIA team members and external partners and collaborators. There are deadline pressures, while at the same time there is a demand for thoroughness and accuracy. Occasional travel is required.

Vaccination Statement

All researchers, employees and students of the RIA who will work with long-term care homes, colleges, universities and other partners are required to comply with the vaccination policies of those external organizations to complete their work. Of note, vaccination policies are subject to change. The requirement to comply with those evolving policies does not change.

Equity Statement

The RIA is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion within its community and organization. We strongly welcome and encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, racialized groups, women, LGBTQ2+ people, persons with disabilities and people from other equity-seeking groups.

The RIA is pleased to accommodate individual needs in accordance with the Accessibility of Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) within our recruitment process. If you require accommodation at any time throughout the recruitment process, please let us know.

How to Apply

RIA invites applications (cover letter and resume) to be submitted by email to [email protected].  Please include the job title in the subject line of the email.